13 Feb 2019

Many people are looking at government initiatives to better their lives, but not Mr Tshoganetso Raditanka, who is in the dog breeding business.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Raditanka said reliance on government initiatives breeds laziness as evidenced by the fact that most businesses that have been given handouts by government fail.

Even though he does not disapprove of government helping citizens, he said most beneficiaries lacked drive, determination and passion to run their projects and end up abandoning them due to lack of commitment.

The Rottweiler and Boerboel breeder said his love for dogs motivated him to start the business, although it was not a bed of roses as many people may think as it needs commitment and determination.

“I chose Rottweiler and Boerboel breeds because of their temperament, adaptability and looks.

Their physical appearance is attractive and they are adorable and easy to handle,” he explained.

Mr Raditanka said he was willing to go into strategic partnerships with other aspiring breeders so as to get ideas on how to improve his business.

Moreover, he said the move would help create direct employment opportunities for those that he would go into partnership with, and those who would be involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

“This business has helped me in terms of exposure and networking. As for the financial part, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Despite the business being sustainable, Mr Raditanka said he encountered challenges such as high rentals and costs of medications, feeds and cleaning materials, adding that miscarriage was the biggest challenge.

The ambitious dog breeder said he wanted to focus more on Boerboel in future, as they were of relatively low maintenance compared to Rottweiler.

His business also focuses on dog rentals to security companies, either on contract or for events.

“If you want your business to succeed, let passion, not the love for money lead you. Otherwise if money is a top priority for you, forget about your success,” he said. Ends